Holocaust Memorial Day

Earlier today general secretary Dave Prentis attended a special event to mark Holocaust Memorial Day organised by Camden Council and hosted at the British Library. He shared a platform with Lord Alf Dubs and Rachel Century of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to speak on the importance of the day, and to sign a joint statement affirming our commitment to challenge intolerance, and to encourage and promote the power of hope and solidarity.

Joint Statement on Holocaust Memorial Day 2017

We remember the millions of victims who were systematically murdered during the Holocaust, and seek to mark our respect for those who experienced and survived the horrific atrocities committed during this and subsequent genocides. We are determined that the sheer horror at the numbers who died cannot allow them to become a statistic. We recognise these appalling events as reminders of the dangers of allowing hate, discrimination and division to develop and go unchallenged.

On this day, we hear the echoes of Europe’s terrible history, remember the precious lives lost and the deep grief felt by those who survived. We honour their memory by challenging anti-Semitism and hate, by remembering the victims of all genocides, and by working to ensure ‘Never Again’.

UNISON, together with Lord Alf Dubs and The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, view this day as an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of history. At a time when hostility to refugees fleeing persecution and war is widespread, and intolerance and racism is on the rise it is as necessary as ever to ensure that we remember, and learn from the atrocities of the past when we ask: how can life go on?

We pledge to continue our work to challenge intolerance and prejudice wherever it is found, and affirm the indelible power of solidarity, love, compassion and hope.